I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

Chapter 106 The Old Party's Scheme

In Bianjing City, Han Zhongyan was newly appointed as a Gentleman Attendant and was granted a residence in a quiet alley in the inner city.

The mansion was not extravagant, but its courtyards were deep and its flowers and trees were lush, giving it a refined and noble air.

The old party members returned to the court by imperial decree and had not been in office for long. On this day, Han Zhongyan held a small tea banquet at his residence.

The newly appointed Minister of Rites Fan Chunli, Right Censor Chen Guan, Left Censor Zou Hao, and other key figures of the old party who were all of the same ilk and had been recalled together, were invited.

While ostensibly a reunion, the real purpose was to use this opportunity to privately communicate positions and discuss strategies.

Inside the study, the charcoal fire crackled, and the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Han Zhongyan occupied the main seat. He was over fifty years old, with a lean face, three long strands of beard, and a gentle demeanor that revealed the composure of someone who had been through many years in officialdom.

Fan Chunli sat to his left. He was about the same age as Han Zhongyan, but his brows were more upright and serious, and his eyes were bright and authoritative.

To the right sat Chen Guan, slightly younger, with a stern face and sharp eyes, revealing the keenness and persistence unique to officials who spoke out against wrongdoing. Zou Hao sat below Chen Guan, in his prime, his expression passionate, displaying a generous and responsible spirit. The four sat in a circle, dismissing all servants.

"I am delighted that you gentlemen have gathered at my humble abode today."

Han Zhongyan, as the host, spoke first.

"The Empress Dowager and the Emperor have bestowed their grace upon us, summoning us back to court and entrusting us with important responsibilities. They truly hope that we can assist the government and stabilize the country. However, the new dynasty has just been established, and many things need to be done. Since we have been entrusted with this task, we must first formulate a strategy so that we can work together with one heart and one mind."

Fan Chunli stroked his beard and said in a deep voice.

"What Han Gong said is absolutely right. Now that Your Majesty has only recently ascended the throne and the Empress Dowager is ruling from behind the curtain, the most important thing is to secure the internal stability. If the internal situation is not stable, the external situation will inevitably be disrupted."

Therefore, the current national policy should prioritize "peace and tranquility, halting border expansion, restoring the Yuan You era, and delaying the Western Xia invasion."

Fan Chunli succinctly and directly pointed out the core political program of the old party after returning to the court: stop the expansionist policy of the Zhezong era (stop opening the borders), restore the relatively moderate and conservative policy line of the Yuanyou era (restoring the Yuanyou era), adopt a conciliatory attitude towards foreign countries, especially the Western Xia (pacifying the Western Xia), and seek overall stability (seeking peace).

It's still the same old path used by the old party.

Chen Guan nodded repeatedly.

"Minister Fan's words are a wise and experienced approach to governing the country. The new policies are radical, disturbing the people and causing trouble on the borders, which is not a blessing for the country."

Now that the Empress Dowager is wise and the Emperor is benevolent and filial, it is time to restore order. The most important thing is to no longer employ those impetuous ministers who advocate "continuing the old ways" and promote border expansion, lest they mislead the Emperor, reignite border conflicts, and deplete the nation's resources.

Chen Guan's words directly targeted Zeng Bu and other New Party ministers who were still in power, as well as the border expansion policy they supported.

Zou Hao was even more indignant.

"It's not just that they're unusable! Those New Party officials who hold power, such as Zhang Dun and Cai Jing, form cliques for personal gain, exclude dissidents, causing loyal and virtuous officials to be demoted and exiled, and creating a chaotic and corrupt atmosphere in the court! Their crimes should be investigated!"

Although Zhang and Cai have left the capital, their influence remains, and their cronies still hold sway in the court. We, who hold the reins of public opinion, must now purify the court, impeach those who break the law, and cleanse the system, thus living up to the expectations of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, and the hopes of the people!

Zou Hao was a radical within the old party.

Han Zhongyan listened to the three men's words and nodded slightly. After Zou Hao finished speaking, he spoke gently.

"I am well aware of your earnest intentions. Upholding integrity and discipline is naturally an essential part of this task. However, we must act with method and strategy. Right now, the most important thing is to formulate a general plan and proceed steadily."

"What Lord Han said was indeed the wise and insightful advice he had for governing the country."

Fan Chunli continued.

"To maintain peace and cease border conflicts" is indeed the most urgent task. Last year's military campaign in the Hehuang region, though ostensibly for territorial expansion, consumed countless resources, resulted in casualties among soldiers, and exhausted the border population. Wang Shan, Zhong Pu, and their ilk were merely opportunists seeking personal gain. Now that the new dynasty has just been established, it is precisely the time to demonstrate benevolence to the world. How can we repeat the mistakes of the Shaosheng era and recklessly provoke border conflicts?"

Chen Guan and Zou Hao both agreed with this.

In the eyes of this group, Emperor Zhezong's advance in the northwest, including Zhao Mingcheng's achievements in the Hehuang region, were all manifestations of "expanding the borders and causing trouble".

Expanding the borders depleted the nation's strength and exacerbated existing conflicts. This was not a merit worth boasting about; on the contrary, it could have sown the seeds of future trouble.

Although the general policy was initially agreed upon, the atmosphere in the study did not become relaxed.

Seeing that the others had little disagreement on this matter, Han Zhongyan brought up a new topic.

"Gentlemen, there is one more person we need to pay close attention to. Let's discuss how to deal with him."

"Who is it?" Fan Chunli asked.

"Zhao Mingcheng, Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat and concurrently Director of the Imperial Library," Han Zhongyan slowly uttered the name.

The atmosphere in the study became slightly tense.

A glint flashed in Chen Guan's eyes, Zou Hao sat up straight, and even Fan Chunli frowned.

"Zhao Mingcheng————"

Chen Guan spoke first, his tone clearly showing apprehension and wariness.

"I have also been paying attention to this son. His father, Zhao Tingzhi, is a key figure in the New Party and is currently serving as the Vice Minister of Rites."

This young man, before reaching adulthood, had already won the emperor's favor with his achievements in pacifying the Hehuang region and defeating the Xia dynasty at Heishitan.

More importantly, he was a former retainer of the emperor from his time as a prince, and his relationship with the current emperor was extraordinary! Now he has been appointed to this important position of close attendant, writing official documents and serving as a close advisor to the emperor. At such a young age, he has already attained this position of potential prime minister. The emperor's favor towards him is truly rare.

He paused, lowering his voice.

"I have also heard that this man is quite ruthless in the Hehuang region. He has joined forces with the border generals to use both suppression and appeasement, and he is decisive in killing and fighting. He not only quelled the remnants of the Tubo, but also severely damaged the iron cavalry of the Western Xia, which still makes the Xia people tremble with fear."

While he has certainly made contributions to the country, his style of action, characterized by ambition and drive, may not align with our pursuit of tranquility.

Moreover, at such a young age, he has gained Your Majesty's trust and is often by your side. What if—what if he becomes arrogant because of his achievements on the frontier, or is influenced by his father and the remnants of the New Party, and makes reckless remarks about opening up the frontier before Your Majesty, misleading Your Majesty, or even—taking advantage of the opportunity to compile history, tamper with national affairs, glorify the new laws, and slander upright people? The consequences would be far-reaching!

If this child is not carefully watched, he will surely become a treacherous minister who bewitches the emperor and a powerful official who usurps history!

Chen Guan's concerns were not unfounded.

Zhao Mingcheng's age, background, achievements, and close relationship with the emperor.

Furthermore, the two key positions he occupied, "historical writing" and "close attendant," were indeed seen by the old party as a potential and enormous source of threat.

Zhao Mingcheng could easily influence the emperor's policy direction.

This is what they are most worried about.

Zou Hao took over the conversation, his tone more cautious, yet also tinged with worry.

"What Brother Chen said makes sense. I have also noticed something else. The Zhao and Li families have been sending out invitations to the literati of Bianjing to attend their children's weddings at the end of this month."

"Could it be Li Gefei from the Ministry of Rites?"

Fan Chunli raised an eyebrow.

"This man is learned and upright, and has always been close to us. His daughter also seems to have some talent, but—"

A marriage alliance between the Zhao and Li families?

"Exactly." Zou Hao nodded.

"The Zhao family is a new party, while the Li family—although not the core, has always been regarded as a clean stream of the old party."

This marriage is quite delicate. As far as I know, although both families have sent out invitations, the response seems to be lukewarm.

The New Party might go, perhaps because Zhao Mingcheng is Zhao Tingzhi's son and a former retainer of the Prince's residence. But on our side, and even many neutral officials, we're probably watching and waiting. A marriage alliance between the two families should be a joyous occasion, but because of this lingering partisan strife, it seems neither side is quite pleased, which is truly regrettable.

His words pointed out another awkward aspect of Zhao Mingcheng's current situation:

Because of his cross-party marriage, he did not receive the widespread acceptance and congratulations he expected in the social circles of the literati, and instead appeared somewhat isolated.

Fan Chunli snorted coldly.

"Zhao Tingzhi has certainly made a good plan! Is he trying to please both sides by arranging a marriage with the Li family? And Li Gefei, why is he betrothing his daughter to a member of the New Party!"

However, matters of marriage are not for us outsiders to comment on. But Zhao Mingcheng is indeed someone to be wary of. If he can quietly compile history and uphold the duties of a subject, then so be it. But if he dares to speak recklessly about expanding the borders and incite His Majesty, I will be the first to object!

Han Zhongyan listened to the discussion, tapping his fingers lightly on the back of his chair. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke.

"Your concerns are all valid. Zhao Mingcheng is indeed a variable. However, how to deal with him requires a strategy."

His gaze swept over the crowd.

"First of all, it must be clear that Zhao Mingcheng has made contributions to the Hehuang region, which is a fact that cannot be denied."

The late emperor once bestowed upon him a purple-gold fish-shaped pouch, and the current emperor has shown him even greater favor, promoting him to a higher official position.

This is the Emperor's favor. If we rashly target him and attack him excessively, not only will we fail to shake his position, but we will also easily anger the Emperor, making us appear intolerant and unbecoming of ministers.

Chen Guan said anxiously, "Lord Han, are we just going to let it go like this?"

"Not so." Han Zhongyan waved his hand, a shrewd glint in his eyes.

"Not directly targeting them doesn't mean we're ignoring them. We can try a different approach."

"I'd like to hear the details," Zou Hao said.

"Firstly," Han Zhongyan said, extending his index finger.

"We strictly monitored Zhao Mingcheng's work within his official duties. He was a compiler responsible for compiling the calendar and national history."

This is a matter of great importance, involving the revision of historical records for generations to come. We must pay close attention to whether the arguments presented in this historical revision are fair and whether they are biased.

In particular, regarding the evaluation of political affairs and figures since the reigns of Xining, Yuanfeng, Yuanyou, and Shaosheng, it is imperative that he writes in accordance with public opinion and not allow him to alter them according to his own will.

If there are any improprieties, the censorate or relevant government departments can, according to established procedures, refute them on grounds such as "unfair historical writing" or "contrary to the facts," leaving them with no recourse. This is an overt strategy, and no one can find fault with it.

Fan Chunli nodded.

"This makes sense. The historical record is ironclad and does not tolerate personal bias. If he dares to distort it, public opinion will surely prevail."

"Secondly," Han Zhongyan said, extending his second finger.

"Limit the scope of his influence."

Zhao Mingcheng was a former retainer of the Prince's residence and was close to the Emperor. This was his advantage, but it could also be his limitation.

When we discuss national affairs in court, especially major policies concerning border affairs, finance, and personnel, we should adhere to the general principle of "maintaining peace and avoiding border expansion."

If they hold different views and attempt to guide Your Majesty to use military force or take radical measures, we must join forces and, with our experienced advice on governing the country and the reality of the people's suffering, calmly dissuade them, making it difficult for their proposals to pass.

Simply limit its influence to historical writing and advisory roles, preventing it from seizing actual military power, financial control, and important personnel appointments; its power will naturally diminish.

A look of realization dawned on Chen Guan's eyes: "Han Gong's intention is to remain calm and restrain the situation through systems and public opinion, rather than directly attacking the person?"

"Exactly." Han Zhongyan nodded. "Thirdly, regarding him personally, there's no need to be overly close, nor to deliberately distance oneself. Maintaining the courtesy due to colleagues is sufficient. As for his wedding—"

Han Zhongyan glanced at Zou Hao, "We don't need to make a big fuss, but we also don't need to deliberately avoid it. We can send our nephews or disciples with ordinary gifts to express our sentiments. This is polite without being overly enthusiastic. In this way, we won't give anyone an excuse to accuse us of forming cliques and attacking dissidents, and we can also make our stance clear."

Han Chung-yen's analysis demonstrates both political wisdom and aligns with the old party's current overall strategy of prioritizing stability.

Fan Chunli pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Lord Han's considerations are thorough, and his approach is quite appropriate. We will proceed as Lord Han wishes."

Although Chen Guan felt somewhat "satisfied," he also thought it was indeed the safest solution at the moment and agreed.

Zou Hao naturally had no objection.

"In that case, let's settle this matter as such." Han Zhongyan picked up the teacup, which had long since gone cold, and took a symbolic sip.

"What we are discussing today concerns national affairs, as well as our own advancement and retreat. I hope you will all be mindful of this and keep it in mind."

"I humbly accept your instruction."

Fan Chunli, Chen Guan, and Zou Hao all spoke in unison.

After exchanging a few more casual words, seeing that it was getting late, Sanchan got up to take his leave.

Han Zhongyan personally escorted San Chan to the entrance of the study, watching her figure disappear into the twilight-shrouded courtyard and corridors.

The study returned to silence.

Han Zhongyan returned to his desk, looking at the leaping flames with a complex expression in his eyes.

Zhao Mingsi—how did this suddenly rising young woman manage to ride the wave of the new dynasty so quickly? Who can speak of her hidden influence?

Han Zhongyan sighed softly, blew out the lamp on his desk, and his figure disappeared into the darkness.